Presentation of the Mazda 6e electric car: unconventional paths

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Mazda's first foray into electromobility can be considered a failure. The MX-30 was not a huge success despite temporarily very attractive leasing conditions. In Germany, the e-SUV is currently being withdrawn from the market. It remains to be seen whether Mazda's next electric car will be more successful. As is so often the case, the Japanese company is taking a different approach to drive systems than many of its competitors. In the Mazda 6e, this applies to the configuration of the powertrains.

Base with LFP battery

Two configurations are initially planned. The base model will have a 190 kW rear-wheel drive with 320 Nm. The lithium iron phosphate battery has 68.8 kWh and can be charged with up to 200 kW. Charging from 10 to 80 percent should be completed in 22 minutes. Mazda gives the consumption as 16.6 kWh/100 km, the range as 479 km. As a reminder: the energy content, consumption and range of an electric car cannot simply be calculated using a rule of three. One reason for this is the fact that the WLTP consumption figures include charging losses. The promised performance figures of 7.6 seconds in the standard sprint and 175 km/h top speed do not set any new records. Nevertheless, the base model delivers expected data on a par with the competition.

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Mazda 6e (10 Bilder)

"Long Range" with 95 kW charging power

The Long Range variant is surprising. At 80 kWh, the NMC battery is not dramatically larger, and the range only increases by around 70 to 552 km. For a long journey, however, everyone will probably prefer the base model, as the maximum charging power of the "Long Range" version is 95 kW. To fill the window between 10 and 80 percent, Mazda specifies a time of 45 minutes. In both cases, of course, this only applies under ideal conditions. Mazda states in the technical data that the maximum charging capacity requires an ambient temperature of 21-25°C. This leaves at least one question mark. This leaves at least one question mark. Nevertheless, we expect Mazda to integrate preconditioning as standard in a new electric car in this class. Anything else would be hard to sell in the environment in which the 6e wants to succeed. Both versions accept the usual 11 kW of alternating current. The towing capacity is also identical at 1500 kg.

Very small trunk

The second surprise concerns the trunk. At 4.92 m, the 6e is only slightly shorter than a current Mercedes E-Class, but at 330 liters, the trunk in the Mazda is smaller than that of a VW Polo. It is hardly any consolation that the volume can be increased to 700 liters by folding down the rear seat backrests. There is another compartment under the front hood with a volume of 70 liters. Nevertheless, if a particularly favorable or at least average ratio between occupied traffic area and available space is a priority, the Mazda 6e is not the first choice. The wheelbase of just under 2.9 m promises ample freedom of movement, at least for the occupants.

Fine interior

The first pictures show a finely lined interior with a material reminiscent of suede. In this respect, the previous Mazda 6 already offered more noblesse than many a self-proclaimed premium provider. The controls in this car have also been almost completely shifted to a screen, which in the 6e is 14.6  inches in size. Smartphones can be charged wirelessly and integrated into the infotainment system. The sound system is supplied by Sony. The 6e can also be opened, closed and started using an app on the smartphone. For the first time in a Mazda, there is also gesture control.

A large, non-opening glass roof is standard in both equipment lines. A screen to shade it is only available in the expensive version. In Germany, the Mazda 6e will be available from summer 2025 at prices starting at around 45,000 euros for the base model.

(mfz)